Tyson Fury has made a startling admission about Anthony Joshua, revealing that the Londoner gave him "a beating" during a sparring session 16 years ago. This confession comes as the two British heavyweight stars are poised to finally face off in the ring later this year, in a bout that has been over a decade in the making.
The Historic Sparring Session
Back in 2010, a young Anthony Joshua, who had not yet turned professional, sparred with Tyson Fury at the Finchley Boxing Club. Fury, now reflecting on that session, did not hold back in describing Joshua's performance. "He came out at me for three rounds and he gave me a beating. I'm not going to deny it," Fury told the BBC. "He gave me what-for, hell for leather for three rounds."
Fury's Detailed Account
Fury elaborated on the intensity of the sparring, recalling how Joshua's aggressive style caught him off guard. "He's rushed out at me, he threw a one-two left hook and a slip-slip and slide, and I thought, 'He's not that bad, I'm going to take my time'," Fury said. "He hit me with a big uppercut right on the point of the chin. If I'd have had a bit of a weak chin like David Price, I'd have been knocked out for a month."
Despite the initial onslaught, Fury managed to regain some control. "But being a professional - and I've been an amateur myself and I've fought all over the world - I slowed him down with a few good body shots," he explained. Fury also praised Joshua's potential, noting, "the kid's only 20 and I'm a handful myself. So, for him to put up a good performance like that against a top prospect in me, I think he's one for the future, to be honest."
Joshua's Perspective
Anthony Joshua has his own memories of that sparring session, which he shared on James Corden's podcast. Joshua recalled that Fury had offered a Rolex watch to anyone who could knock him out during sparring. "So this guy called Tyson Fury, who I have no idea who he is, comes down the gym," Joshua said. "And word on the streets is that Tyson said: 'If anyone knocks me out, I'm the best heavyweight. If anyone knocks me out they get my Rolex watch.'"
Joshua described the intense exchange: "I said, let's go. Bell goes, we go at it, we go at it. I think we sparred about three or four rounds." He also referenced Fury's own promotion of the fight, where Fury said, "There's this kid called Anthony Joshua, I sparred him down at Finchley Boxing Club. I'll tell you what, he's s*** hot. I believe he's going to go on and do great things. He hit me with a shot that nearly took my head off."
Current Context and Upcoming Fight
This revelation adds an intriguing layer to the anticipated clash between Fury and Joshua, which is tentatively scheduled for October or November this year, with Wembley Stadium likely to host the event. Joshua plans to have a warm-up fight in July before facing Fury, who recently returned to the ring with a victory over Arslanbek Makhmdov. This was Fury's first fight since losing his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk 16 months ago.
Joshua was ringside to witness Fury's comeback win, further fueling speculation about their impending showdown. Fury himself has downplayed the significance of their past sparring, stating, "But sparring ain't fighting, and fighting with a head guard on is not professional boxing, is it? But he's very good, to be honest with you."
What This Means for the Future
The admission from Fury highlights the long-standing rivalry and respect between the two fighters. As they prepare to finally meet in a professional setting, fans are eager to see if Joshua can replicate his sparring success or if Fury's experience and skill will prevail. This bout promises to be a defining moment in British heavyweight boxing, with both athletes aiming to cement their legacies.
